That's more like it!

My Flames won Game 5 tonight against the Mighty Ducks 3-2. The match wasn't as close as the score indicated with the Flames jumping out to a 3-0 lead, and then the Ducks getting two late in the third period.

My prediction of the Flames winning the series in 6 games still looks accurate - we'll know for sure on Monday night!

Taking the good with the bad

My Calgary Flames started Game 4 putting the boots to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, but couldn't put a puck in the net. That cost them - big time. As the second period got underway, the Ducks potted two quick goals and the Flames were in the hole. The Flames often times have difficulty coming back from a one goal deficit, let alone two.

All-star winger Jerome Iginla scored two goals in the thrid to knot the game at two, but a late penalty in the thrid period sealed the deal for a quick Ducks goal in the first minute and a half of OT.

So a valuant effort to fight back to draw it even, but my Flames can't get down two goals and expect to win. It's a best of three now, all we need is two.

Domination

Tonight my Calgary Flames completely dominated the "Mighty" Ducks of Anaheim 5-2, taking a 2-1 lead in the best of 7 series.

The first two games Calgary looked, admittedly, a bit sluggish compared to the speed of the Ducks. Calgary goalie, Mikka Kiprusoff, looked like something for which he's certainly not known, being human. There were some rookie mistakes, bad line changes, and even some bad luck. What a difference a few days make.

In Game 3, Calgary flew out of the gate and threw down the gauntlet. They beat the Ducks to loose pucks, made some powerful hits, and basically out hustled a team that looked dead tired.
With the win, the Flames regain home ice advantage in the series, something that will benefit a team that was 30-7-4 at home this season.

This marked only the second win for the Flames in the Duck's home arena, and what a way to do it too. Complete domination.

Les Canadiens - C'est Magnifique!

As a B.C. boy, born and raised, I cannot explain why I have developed a soft spot for the Montreal Canadiens.

When the old Quebec Nordiques were around, I cheered for them with vigour. They were always the underdog against the all too powerful Canadiens.

After the Nordiques left for Colorado, my eyes turned to that other Quebec team and my respect for them grew by leaps and bounds. No longer was Montreal the dominant team they had been known for in years past, they were a team that had to hustle and struggle for every point they got - and I respect that.

Once again, the Canadiens have beat the odds by going up 2-0 in the best of 7 series against the heavily favoured Carolina Hurricanes. I hope the have saved some magic left to pull it off.

The Ducks are going to be roasted

The playoffs begin on Friday, and my Calgary Flames are taking on the streaking Anaheim Mighty Ducks.

I'm sorry, but it's hard for me to take a team seriously that's named after an Emilio Estevez coached fictional team of kids. This is of course the NHL so despite the crest on their jerseys this is a real team, and a possible threat.

Calgary has had some trouble with the Ducks recently, winning only 1 of their last 13 games at the Pond in Anaheim. Still, with Hart Trophy contender Miikka Kiprusoff coming off two straight shutouts, and Iginla's clutch playoff presence, I don't see how they could go wrong.

My prediction: Flames in 6.

Flames fans unite - we won the division!

For the first time since the 1994-95 season, my Calgary Flames won their division tonight by beating the Colorado Avalanche 2-0. Calgary goalie, Miikka Kiprusoff, who I believe should be the NHL MVP, made 23 saves to record his league high 10th shutout of the season.

Bring on the playoffs!

Lefty comes through

I've always had a soft spot in my golfer's heart for Phil Michelson. I couldn't help but smile today when he got his second green jacket by winning The Masters. For all the hackers out there in the golf world, at least his moment in the sun gives us something to live vicariously through!

Helpless Flames fans can dream in 2006

In case anyone is wondering, the Calgary Flames clinched a playoff spot last night. Woo-hoo, playoff favour! Now lets see if they can win their division...

Nothing beats the Masters

It's only one sleep away. Yes, I speak of the epic that is The Masters, my favorite PGA tournament of the year.

The Masters is more than a mere "tournament", it's history with every shot. I remember when a young guy named "Tiger Woods" cleaned up on the field to run away to victory, and I remember when Greg "The Shark" Norman clutched defeat from the jaws of victory when a 46-year old Jack Nicholas beat all odds to claim the coveted Green Jacket.

As we move in to the week ahead, I think it will be more than interesting to see what unfolds, and what history is written. Whether it's a story of triumph, or a story of sorrow, I look forward to seeing what unfolds.

In the end, The Masters and golf is much like life. It has its ups and downs, highlights and lowlights, but in the end, you still look forward to your next shot.